The Philadelphia Phillies have signed right-hander Zach Pop to a one-year major league contract, adding depth to their bullpen ahead of spring training. The 29-year-old Canadian, who has pitched for multiple teams over five MLB seasons, will compete for one of two open spots in the relief corps. This move brings the Phillies' 40-man roster to 39 players.
Philadelphia -- The Phillies bolstered their bullpen options by signing free-agent right-hander Zach Pop to a one-year deal, as announced by the team. Pop, a 29-year-old sinkerballer known for inducing ground balls, joins the organization out of options, giving him a strong chance to secure a roster spot without risking waivers.
Over his five-year MLB career, Pop has appeared in 163 relief games for the Miami Marlins (2021-22), Toronto Blue Jays (2022-24), Seattle Mariners (2025), and New York Mets (2025). He holds an 8-6 record with a 4.88 ERA, striking out 126 batters while walking 55 in 162 1/3 innings. In 2025, Pop's season was turbulent: he was released by the Blue Jays shortly after Opening Day, made four appearances for the Mariners, and pitched once for the Mets, allowing 11 earned runs in 6 2/3 innings. However, his minor league performance that year showed promise, with a 4.19 ERA over 19 1/3 innings in 20 outings, a strikeout rate above 25%, an 8.9% walk rate, and a remarkable 75% ground-ball rate on his 96-97 mph sinker.
The Phillies currently have six bullpen positions secured by right-handers Jhoan Duran, Brad Keller, Orion Kerkering, and Jonathan Bowlan, plus left-handers José Alvarado and Tanner Banks. Contenders for the remaining spots include Rule 5 pick Zach McCambley, recent acquisitions Yoniel Curet and Tyler Backhus, and returnees Nolan Hoffman, Seth Johnson, and Max Lazar. Pop's addition fills the 39th spot on the 40-man roster, leaving room for potential re-signing of free-agent catcher J.T. Realmuto.
This signing reflects Philadelphia's strategy to build depth in the relief pitching staff during the offseason, prioritizing pitchers who can contribute immediately given Pop's option status.
